Marilyn Joyce Ward, 82, of Carmi, died at 12:30 am, Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Newburgh, Indiana. She was born September 23, 1934 in East Carmi, Illinois to Carl H. and Eileen Emma (Felty) Cherry.

Marilyn married F. Paul Ward December 31, 1959. Theirs was a 56-year love story that continues on. She and Paul were full partners in Ward Farms north of Enfield, Illinois for more than 25 years before retiring to enjoy their shared passion for hunting and fishing. Their adventures took them from Alaska to Canada to Chesapeake Bay and sometimes, just to the pond bank at their farm in Hamilton County, Illinois. Marilyn was an awesome cook and known to be a good natured perfectionist in most everything she did. As a military spouse, she fully supported Paul’s 30-year career in the Army Reserve and was a 52-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Paul Ward of Carmi; sister Cathy (Robert) Rainwater of Mill Shoals, Illinois; daughter Joyce (Bobby) Grider of Carmi, Illinois; step-daughter Paula (Les) Owen of Benton, Kentucky; son Ray Trout, Sr. of Evansville, Indiana; son Colonel (R) Terry (Cynthia) Trout of McKinney, Texas; step-son Bruce Ward of Fort Branch, Indiana; nine grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Emma Lee Paul and brother James Ray Cherry.

Funeral services for Marilyn Ward will be at Noon, Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi. Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 and funeral service at 12:00 pm, followed by a short graveside service for the family at White County Memorial Garden west of Carmi.

Memorial donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to White County Memorial Garden and will be accepted at the cemetery or Stendeback’s Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com